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Nick Saban, Alabama extend run of dominance at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
Nick Saban and Alabama have made Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta their own personal fortress since the building’s opening in 2017.
Alabama has played 8 games in the venue thus far, including Saturday’s SEC Championship Game against Georgia. Its record: 8-0.
The Crimson Tide’s 1st-ever appearance at the stadium was the 2017 Chick-Fil-A Kickoff Game, a 24-7 win over Florida State. Their 2nd appearance was an all-timer: a dramatic 26-23 overtime win over Georgia in the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship Game.
Of Alabama’s other 6 trips to the Benz, 4 have been in the SEC Championship Game: in 2018 (35-28 vs. Georgia), 2020 (52-46 vs. Florida), 2021 (41-24 vs. Georgia), and on Saturday (27-24 vs. Georgia). The other 2 times have been for the 2019 and 2021 Chick-Fil-A Kickoff Games (42-3 vs. Duke and 44-13 vs. Miami, respectively).
If Saban has his way, Alabama will want to play in Atlanta as many times as they can in the future. It’ll get its next chance in next year’s SEC Championship Game and, if the chips fall right, in the 2025 CFP title game.
Nick Saban is now 8-0 at @MBStadium, including 4-0 versus Georgia. He is also 4-0 against UGA in the SEC Champ Game and 9-1 overall in SEC Champ Games.
— Chuck Dunlap ? (@SEC_Chuck) December 3, 2023
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
